English Blamed For Poor Literacy In The Philippines

The use of English as a medium of instruction even for starter learners may be the reason why some nine million Filipinos aged 10 to 64 find it difficult to read, write, compute and comprehend, according to an education official.

The use of a secondary language in classroom instruction inhibits learning among young students, eventually leading to poor literacy skills when they become adults, said Education Undersecretary Yolanda Quijano.

“Maybe it’s because our children are taught in English. They are trained to listen but because they don’t have the facility of the language they cannot answer back what they think and what they’re feeling,” said Quijano, a 43-year veteran educator.